Multipack for cups and pots

Abstract

This invention relates to a multipack that includes multiple containers positioned within two adjacent rows of apertures formed in a sheet having an integral handle, resulting in a package of two or more containers and a flexible handle extending therefrom.

1 . A multipack for unitizing a plurality of containers, the multipack comprising:
 a sheet having a plurality of apertures arranged in two parallel rows extending longitudinally across the sheet, each aperture accommodating a container of the plurality of containers resulting in two parallel rows of containers; and   a foldline extending between the two parallel rows of apertures permitting the two parallel rows of containers to be folded onto each other, a lid of each container abutting an adjacent lid of each transversely adjacent container.   
   
   
       2 . The multipack of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a handle formed in the sheet between the two parallel rows of containers.   
   
   
       3 . The multipack of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a weld positioned between the handle and the two parallel rows of containers.   
   
   
       4 . The multipack of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a weld positioned along the foldline.   
   
   
       5 . The multipack of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a panel extending from an edge of the sheet opposite of the handle.   
   
   
       6 . A package of containers comprising:
 a flexible sheet having an array of apertures arranged in two rows;   a plurality of containers arranged in the array of apertures;   a foldline positioned in the flexible sheet across which half of the plurality of containers are folded over on to the remaining half of the plurality of containers so that a lid of each container is positioned against a lid of an adjacent container; and   a integral handle extending from the flexible sheet.   
   
   
       7 . The package of  claim 6  wherein the flexible sheet is formed in two corresponding halves, each half including a row of apertures and a handle, the foldline dividing the halves between each handle. 
   
   
       8 . The package of  claim 6  wherein the containers each include a tapered sidewall. 
   
   
       9 . The package of  claim 6  wherein the containers each include a chime or flange around at least one end. 
   
   
       10 . The package of  claim 6  wherein the flexible sheet is constructed from a flexible plastic material. 
   
   
       11 . A multipack comprising:
 a sheet having a plurality of apertures arranged in a row;   an integrated cover sheet positioned parallel to the row of apertures   a foldline positioned between the row of apertures and the cover sheet;   a plurality of containers positioned within the apertures so that the cover sheet is folded over onto the plurality of containers; and   a handle positioned between the row of containers and the cover sheet.   
   
   
       12 . The multipack of  claim 11  further comprising:
 a weld sealing at least one longitudinal edge of the sheet opposite the foldline.   
   
   
       13 . The multipack of  claim 11  wherein each container includes a bottom end having product information that is outwardly displayed from the multipack. 
   
   
       14 . The multipack of  claim 11  wherein the cover sheet is positioned over lids of the containers. 
   
   
       15 . The multipack of  claim 11  further comprising:
 a row of cover apertures positioned within the cover sheet, the cover apertures corresponding with respective lids of the containers.   
   
   
       16 . The multipack of  claim 11  further comprising:
 an additional row of containers positioned on the row of containers and enclosed by the cover sheet.